QoS-Oriented Load Balancing for WLANs

Abstract

The Load Balancing (LB) is essential for improving the WLAN efficiency, especially for VoIP over WLAN. Although 802.11v forms an important step to standardize LB in WLAN, nevertheless the concept, algorithms, and system model of LB are still required. In that respect, this paper proposes a novel concept for LB according to the graph representation of WLAN environment. In relation with WLAN features, a load distribution graph is constructed as the basis of the presented LB concept and algorithms in local scope. Accordingly, a QoSoriented LB method and a system model are developed. Based on that, a system prototype, called Lobaq, is implemented according to the centralized architecture. The experimental results present the major functionalities of system behavior and provide an improvement of network balance in relation with the test scenario from lower than 37 % to more than 73 %. Moreover, these results confirm the LB according to the QoS requirements.

Wireless Self-Organizing Backbone Mesh Network (WiSoNet)

“…In particular, this paper describes the architecture of a heterogeneous network and addresses several issues to be aware of, like routing algorithms, security, quality of service and maintenance. Hence, new combined protocols have been involved, like the proposed QoS mechanisms [4]. To allow self-organization in our ad-hoc network we currently focus on routing and load balancing by using the Hyacinth algorithm.…”

“…The access points (AP) and STAs must be provided with the required components to negotiate the required resources. Moreover, the use of QoS-oriented load balancing mechanism [4] also enhances the QoS in the entire WiSoNet, especially in the access network. The combination of this structure and IEEE 802.11e on all APs and STAs should increase the provided QoS drastically [5].…”

ALBA: An autonomic load balancing algorithm for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks

“…Most efforts related to load balancing [1] [2] [3] [6] distribute the load by proposing algorithms relying on different load estimators.…”

“…In order to define the load as a function of the channel bit rate and the applications' type, [9] suggests to use the Channel Utilisation Estimate (CUE) as the estimator to measure the network resources usage. [6] proposes a load balancing algorithm based on a local scope and implemented a centralised architecture with a load controller. Finally, a dedicated task group has been set up to propose the 802.1v amendment for Wireless Network Management (WNM) and load balancing.…”

A Load Distribution Mechanism for Wireless Local Area Networks

“…[9] proposed a centralized schema where the server collects the traffic load of each AP and decides to which AP each station associates based on user location. [10] proposed a load balancing algorithm on local scope and implemented a centralised architecture with a load controller. However, these architectures are not useful in an autonomic environment.…”